M&S is proud to launch a new campaign with Save the Children to raise money to enable at least 15,000 children in Uganda to go to school. With customers' support M&S aims to raise a minimum of 500,000 by donating 5% of the sale price of main Back to School clothing during the month of August.

The money raised will fund a much-needed education programme in Western Uganda. There £500,000 will pay for the construction of 40 new classrooms and two new fully equipped pre-schools, the training of teachers and a complete set of teaching materials and text books for each classroom. It will also pay for safe water for a whole school, construction of two houses for teachers and their families and construction of toilet and washroom facilities for children in three schools.

Mike Barry, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at M&S says: "We're delighted to be partnering with Save the Children on this incredibly worthwhile cause that's really going to benefit the lives of children in Uganda. At M&S we're always looking for ways to give our customers additional benefits and this scheme lets our back to school shoppers directly help children in Uganda who, at the moment, don't get the chance of a good education".

Tanya Steele, Director of Fundraising at Save the Children says: "Uganda has been badly affected by conflict over many years and very little money is available to rebuild schools. Education is vital and although classes are bursting with up to 200 children per teacher there are still lots of children who aren't enrolled in school. With the money raised by M&S and their customers, Save the Children will be able to improve the quality of education for thousands of children. We will be able to get children who have never had the opportunity learn into school for the first time giving them the chance to rewrite their future".

The donation period runs during the peak back to school shopping time from 14th August to 4th September on Back to School clothing. With the biggest ever range including sportswear, Fairtrade cotton school shirts, recycled polyester schoolwear and even lab coats, M&S makes it easy to directly benefit the lives of children in Uganda when shopping for Back to School clothing. Just 500 parents buying an average school uniform for £5.83 (shirt, sweatshirt and trouser/skirt) will buy 3 complete sets of text books for 3 classes of children.

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For further information on Marks & Spencer, the Save the Children partnership and general back to school queries please contact:
Laura Davidson 0208 718 6190

For further information on Save the Children, case studies and photography please contact:
Rosie Jordan 020 701 26850

Notes to editors-

Currently in Uganda